Antiquities Discussion Forums > Ancient and Medieval Finger Rings
Legio III silver ring? HELP
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Kilian O:
Hello!
I've been thinking about buying a roman ring and before actually buying this I want somebody to give me an opinion on the matter. It's been in the guy's collection for over 20 years. It's made of silver, weighs 5 grams and is 18x20mm.
Thoughts?
SC:
The form or shape matches a genuine Roman one - type IIIa in the Aquincum (Budapest) ring catalogue typology.
One caveat. The idea that a roman numeral on a ring equals a legion number is entirely unproven. It is only guesswork and speculation among dealers and collectors. As far as I know, there is no other proof - no historical reference and not even any indication that such rings are most commonly found in soldier's graves or on military sites.
By contrast we do know that when Roman legions are referred to in a proven and unambiguous way, for example on roof tiles or belt sets or engraved on other gear, they are always LEGIII or LIII, not III.
In other words, a III could stand for anything - the month someone was born in, the number of children they have, their apartment number, etc.
We all want to believe it means legion number because that is the coolest answer.
SC
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